Newsflash: Friday, 24 March 2023

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AFM Newsflash_Friday 24 March 2023

RESOURCES

Pastoral Letter 1 Quarter 2023 – New!
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-1st-quarter-2023/

NOB Empowerment Visits 2023: Dates & Venues – You are Invited!
https://afm-ags.org/nob-empowerment-visits-2023-dates-venues/

AFM of SA National Calendar 2023 – Including the Latest Updates (8 Feb)!
https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/

1. PRAY FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Philippians 4:6 reminds us not to be spending our days stressed and worried, but to “…instead, pray about everything..”. Please remember to continually pray for the peace and stability of our beloved country. Pray in your personal prayer time, and also ensure that you make time during your assembly activities and Sunday services.

“The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear your call.” Isaiah 59:1 (NLT).

2. NOB EMPOWERMENT VISITS

Keep The Fire Burning

We are looking forward to visiting and spending time in ministry and impartation with Regional Pastors, Assembly Leaders, Governing Body Members, Departments and Members during the Regional Empowerment Visits. The Theme for 2023 is: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING.

The National Office Bearers (NOB) felt led to focus on the Spiritual Foundation of Missionality and to spend time on who we are and how we live as Holy Spirit-filled people and church. We will focus on (i) Our Calling as Believers and Pastors; (ii) Daily time with the Word and in Prayer; (iii) The Character, Values and Norms of Holy Spirit filled People; and (iv) Keeping the Fire Burning in your Finances.

Below we share the remaining dates and venues for the NOB Empowerment Visits of 2023:

The Programme for Friday and Saturday is available from our website:

https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

3. CONFERENCES: SAVE THE DATES!

National Youth Conference

Register by using the link below: https://forms.gle/z3JYWdCPtYcXK21k7

Download the Circular for more info: https://afm-ags.org/national-youth-conference-2023/

National Men’s Fellowship Conference

Download the Circular for more info:

https://afm-ags.org/national-mens-fellowship-conference-2023/

National Sisters Fellowship Conference

Register through the Regions.

Warm Regards!
Henri Weideman

Nuusflits: Vrydag, 24 Maart 2023

Laai die PDF- weergawe hier af (om maklik te e-pos of uit te druk):

AGS Nuusflits_Vrydag_24 Maart 2023

HULPBRONNE

Pastorale Brief 1ste Kwartaal 2023Nuut!
https://afm-ags.org/pastorale-brief-1ste-kwartaal-2023/

NOB-Bemagtigingsbesoeke 2023: Datums & PlekkeJy word hartlik uitgenooi!
https://afm-ags.org/nob-empowerment-visits-2023-dates-venues/

AGS van SA Nasionale Kalender 2023Opgedateer met die Nuutste Veranderinge (8 FEB)!
https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/

AGS Kollega,

1. BID VIR SUID-AFRIKA

Filippense 4:6 herinner ons daaraan om nie ons dae gespanne en bekommerd deur te bring nie, maar “…maak in alles julle begeertes deur gebed en smeking en met danksegging aan God bekend.” Onthou asseblief om voortdurend te bid vir die vrede en stabiliteit van ons geliefde land. Bid in jou persoonlike gebedstyd en maak ook seker dat jy tyd maak tydens jou gemeentelike aktiwiteite en Sondagdienste.

“Die Here is nie te swak om julle te red nie. Hy is nie te doof om julle te hoor nie..” Jesaja 59:1 (NLV)

2. NOB-BEMAGTIGINGSBESOEKE

Hou Die Vuur Aan Die Brand

Ons sien daarna uit om tydens die 2023 Streeksbemagtigingsbesoeke tyd in bediening deur te bring saam met ons Pastore, Gemeenteleiers, Kerkrade, Departemente en lidmate. Die tema vir 2023 is: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING (HOU DIE VUUR AAN DIE BRAND).

Die Nasionale Ampsdraers het gelei gevoel om te fokus op die Geestelike Basis van Missionaliteit en om tyd te spandeer op wie ons is, en hoe ons leef as Heilige Gees vervulde mense en kerk. Ons sal fokus op (i) Ons Roeping as Gelowiges en Pastore; (ii) Daaglikse Tyd met die Woord en in Gebed; (iii) Die karakter, Waardes en Norme van Heilige Gees Vervulde Mense; en (iv) Hoe om die Vuur aan die Brand te Hou in jou Finansies.

Ons deel graag die oorblywende datums en plekke van ontmoeting vir 2023:

Die programme vir Vrydag en Saterdag is beskikbaar vanaf ons webwerf:

https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

Ons sien uit daarna om jou daar te sien!

3. KONFERENSIES: TEKEN DIE DATUMS AAN!

National Youth Conference

Registreer deur die skakel te gebruik: https://forms.gle/z3JYWdCPtYcXK21k7

Laai die omsendbrief af vir meer inligting: https://afm-ags.org/national-youth-conference-2023/

National Men’s Fellowship Conference

Laai die omsendbrief af vir meer inligting:

https://afm-ags.org/national-mens-fellowship-conference-2023/

National Sisters Fellowship Conference

Registreer deur die Streke asseblief.


Vriendelike Groete!
Henri Weideman

Pastoral Letter: 1st Quarter 2023

Download the PDF version here (e-mail & printer-friendly):

AFM Pastoral Letter_1st Quarter_2023

INTRODUCTION

Dear AFM Family,

During our time of prayer and reflection at the end of 2022, the National Office Bearers felt led to focus on the strengthening and impartation of the Spiritual Foundation of Missionality in 2023. We resolved to spend time on who we are and how we live as Holy Spirit-filled people and church. During the Regional Empowerment visits, we are focusing on the theme: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING and share about our calling as believers and pastors; our spiritual discipline and ministerial faithfulness including daily time with the Word and in prayer; the character, values and norms of Holy Spirit-filled people; as well as our finances.

All the articles in this edition focus on the spiritual foundation of a missional lifestyle.

The character, values and norms of Holy Spirit-filled people are key aspects of the testimony of our movement, as well as of the lifestyle of every individual follower of Jesus.

    • Character refers to the mental, moral and ethical qualities and beliefs of an individual. It is about the way someone thinks, feels and behaves.
    • Values are about what you view as important, useful and of worth.
    • Norms refer to what an individual or group regard as the standard or acceptable way of doing something.

In the context of the world and society that we are living in, we must ask ourselves whether there should be a difference between the character, values and norms of a Holy Spirit-filled person and a person who is not filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words: Should a Holy Spirit-filled person think differently about life, about what is important and acceptable? Should a Holy Spirit-filled person behave differently? Should he/she handle emotions differently and speak differently? Or is there no difference?

If there is a difference, what should it be?

Looking at history, we see that when there was a need to appoint deacons to serve in the first church in Jerusalem, the requirements given by the twelve disciples, were recorded as follows in Acts 6:3: “…choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the (Holy) Spirit & wisdom.” (NIV)

The New King James Version (KJV) translated it as: “…men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” The Amplified Bible refers to people with “…Godly character and moral integrity…”. It seems that there was something distinctive and noticeable about people who were full of the Holy Spirit. When you interacted with them, you observed and heard something different.

In Ephesians 3:16 Paul wrote about our spiritual nature, our emotions, our inner being, the core of who we are as human beings, being built up and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. The thoughts and behaviour of Holy Spirit-filled people are under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:9 Paul says that if the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are not controlled by a sinful nature, but by the Holy Spirit. There is a different operating system at work in Holy Spirit-filled people.

The thoughts and behaviour of Holy Spirit-filled people are under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Paul mentions the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. This produces behavioural qualities representative of Jesus in Holy Spirit-filled people. These traits are sometimes referred to as “The fruit of the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-23 defines it as: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.

We are living in a world of many imitations. It seems that there is a counterfeit product available for everything true of value. Can it also be so with the Holy Spirit? Can people claim to be godly, but lack the true power and essence thereof? Can it be that their conduct, the way they think, live and behave nullifies the image that they have of being a Holy Spirit-filled people?

This must never be true of us. May our pastors, assembly leaders and all our members be known as men and women who are full of the Holy Spirit.

God’s “call” is an open invitation to salvation to all the lost to come to Him and be saved (Matt 9:13; Matt 9:9-13; Mark 2:17). As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.

“For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Paul’s language echoes the language prophets sometimes used in response to the sufferings they or others would experience as a result of their prophetic ministry and reflects the prophetic call on his life. His experience of preaching the gospel is like the experience of those Old Testament prophets who felt compelled to deliver the divine message entrusted to them, regardless of their own desire, or lack of desire to do so.

Once we accepted the call, the power of God is released into us. 1 Corinthians 1:24: “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor 1:9). The power of God is working in us to equip us for the task ahead to be more than conquerors in all aspects of life as we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Walk worthy of your calling. For us to stay true to our calling, we have to realise that it is not necessary to “earn our place” anymore. We have been set free from any form of inferior living and are now able to live our lives according to the standard of Jesus Christ. Paul gives the first three chapters in Ephesians to establish the truth that we are found “in Christ” and then challenges us to live according to that calling: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:1-3, NKJV).

Impacting the lives of others. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life (2 Corinthians 2:15-16, NKJV). The life-giving follower of the call of God, whose heart is ever thirsting for God, whose soul is ever following hard after God, whose eye is single to God, and in whom by the power of God’s Spirit, the flesh and the world have been crucified. Our lives must be like the generous flood of a life-giving river.

I close with a prayer we use to sing: “Touch my life Lord Jesus, with thy nail scared hand, as for Thee I live and daily take my stand, let my life overflow so that others may know, Thou has touched my life with thy nail scared hand.”

As National Office Bearers we have declared this year as a season of keeping the fire of the Holy Spirit burning! Our focused commitment is to rekindle the fire through prayer, fasting and the knowledge of God’s Word. Our spiritual life is tied to devotion to prayer and the ministry of the Word of God, as indicated in Acts 6:4: “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

“The order is significant; prayer first, then the ministry of the Word. Without God, there is no ministry.”

The Apostles dedicated themselves “…to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” The order is significant; prayer first, then the ministry of the Word. Without God, there is no ministry.

Prayer (Fasting)

Spiritual work depends upon spiritual tools. No spiritual tool is as significant or influential as prayer. As Andrew Murray reminds us: “In spiritual work, everything depends upon prayer.” We should maximise spiritual impact by prioritising prayer. Effective spiritual leaders value this spiritual tool, which is prayer.

“The more we pray, the more God works.”

The more we pray, the more God works. When we pray, things begin to change, “…as he (Jesus) was praying, heaven was opened…” (Luke 3:21b, NIV). Elijah was very committed to prayer and “…was a man of like passions to us, and he prayed with prayer that it should not rain; and it did not rain upon the earth three years and six months…” (James 5:17, DARBY). We should always pray and not quit, “…pray always and not become discouraged…” (Luke 18:1, HCSB).

“Prayer is the determining factor…if we don’t, He won’t.” – Jack Hayford.

The substance and exercise of fasting and prayer are critical to our spiritual lives; note the following four reasons and benefits:

    • Fasting has the power to please God by causing righteousness to shine, healing to come, and God’s glory to surround you. It leads to answered prayer (Isaiah 58:6–14).
    • Fasting increases spiritual power and prepares for greater impact. Jesus experienced forty days of prayer and fasting. Immediately after that, we see him preaching with the power of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 4:1–14).
    • Fasting is a powerful aid in spiritual warfare. After his disciples failed to cast out a demon, Jesus did so easily. Then he explained, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).
    • Daniel’s twenty-one days of fasting and prayer were needed to aid the angel’s assignment to deliver the answer to Daniel’s prayers (Daniel 9:3–10:3).

Ministry of the Word (Read and Reread the Text)

The former Pastor of Westminster Chapel in London, G. Campbell Morgan, would read a book of the Bible 50 times before he lifted his pen in preparation for his sermon. At that point, he began to see things in the text that he overlooked the first few times reading through. As Servants of God, we are mandated to study, teach and preach the Word of God. The relevant three-fold ministry of the Word includes:

    • The studying of God’s Word (Ezra 7:10), “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (NIV)
    • The teaching of God’s Word for making disciples (Matt. 28:20a), “…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (NIV)
    • The preaching of God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:2), “…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (ESV)

In conclusion, we say, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1), and as God’s servants, we should always be nourished and sustained by God’s word, as “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, ESV).

Many of us are feeling the pressure of the financial situation in our country. Our country is not in a good spot and many decisions that were taken in the past, are having detrimental effects on all of us. But that does not mean that we have to be the victims of what is happening around us. We are children of the Mighty GOD that created heaven and earth and we are living in HIS presence and under HIS promises. He is fully aware of what is happening in our world and is working in this situation to benefit us. But we need to seek His face and follow His leading in our financial conduct.

The soft voice of the Holy Spirit and the principles of the Bible can and will lead you and me through difficult times. Our country had situations that looked unsurmountable in the past, but the men and women of GOD trusted in Him to guide us through.

Principle 1: Tithe

Some of the principles are to be faithful in your tithing. Tithing is not a money issue, but a trust and faith issue. By giving your tithe, you declare that you trust God to provide for you and help you to go much further with the remaining 90% than you would have been able with your full salary. Matt 6:21 says “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Tithing tests where my heart is. I’m sure that many of you have wonderful testimonies of miracles that God did in your own life and the lives of people around you. In difficult times, the thought will come to mind to stop tithing as times are changing. Please don’t fall into this trap, because your tithe is also the seed that will come up and will be your provision of blessing in the future. If you eat your seed, you kill your future blessing.

“Tithing tests where my heart is.”

Principle 2: Spend Wisely

In times like these we should also stick to the habit of spending wisely. Be careful how you spend your money and don’t run after every new fad or flavour just to be in with your crowd. Rather be more conservative and buy things that you need and will last long. Be very careful of slick sales tactics that want to convince you that your life will not be the same without this product or service. We have the God of heaven and earth in our lives and that helps us to live content lives. Hebrews 13:5 says: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Sometimes we need to be reminded that this earthly world will one day pass, and we will take nothing with us to the grave, but our crown is waiting for us.

Principle 3: Save Diligently

Saving diligently is another good habit that we need to keep in place. If we save diligently, we will always have enough when difficult times come. For most of us, saving doesn’t come naturally. We have to plan and execute that plan, but if the habit kicks in, you get the wonderful sense that you are ready for a rainy day.

Principle 4: Live Generously

Lastly, live generously. It will kill selfishness in your life and help you to be a blessing to others. If you can help someone, help them! Don’t turn a blind eye because what you do to the least, God will reward you for. My prayer is that 2023 will be a year of abundance in your life.

On the 25th of May 2023, we will be celebrating our church’s 115th Birthday anniversary. Like the previous year, we are again planning an AFM Logo day where we would like to encourage all our assemblies and members to share, showcase and display the AFM logo everywhere! It was such a blessing last year to witness the high level of participation and response from our church.

This year we are adding a further element together with the AFM Logo day – on this day we are also requesting that every member of the AFM Family reaches out to just one other person to share the love of Christ. It can be an in-person encounter or a call over WhatsApp. It can be someone you know or a complete stranger. One can only imagine the impact when every AFM member takes up his/her calling as a messenger of Christ – sharing His love with just one other person.

The National Office Bearers will release five video clips that will provide practical guidelines on how to share Christ with another person. We are looking forward to celebrating the AFM of SA’s 115th Birthday anniversary and planning to keep the fire burning!

Friendly Regards
Henri Weideman

Pastorale Brief: 1ste Kwartaal (2023)

Laai die PDF-weergawe hier af (om maklik te e-pos of uit te druk):

AGS Pastorale Brief_1ste Kwartaal_2023

INLEIDING

AGS Familie,

Aan die einde van 2022, gedurende ons tyd van gebed en nadenke het die Nasionale Ampsdraers gelei gevoel om in 2023 te fokus op die bevestiging en versterking van die Geestelike onderbou van Missionaliteit. Ons het besluit om tyd te spandeer aan wie ons as Heilige Gees vervulde mense en kerk is en hoe ons (behoort te) leef. Tydens die Streekbemagtigingsbesoeke, fokus ons op die tema: HOU DIE VUUR AAN DIE BRAND (“Keep the Fire burning”). Ons deel meer oor ons roeping as gelowiges en pastore; ons geestelike dissipline en bedieningsgetrouheid (insluitende tyd met die Woord en in gebed); die karakter, waardes en norme van Heilige Gees vervulde mense; so wel as ons finansies.

Al die artikels in hierdie uitgawe fokus op die geestelike onderbou van ‘n missionale leefstyl.

Die karakter, waardes en norme van Heilige Gees vervulde mense is sleutelaspekte van die getuienis van ons beweging, asook van die lewenstyl van elke individuele volgeling van Jesus.

    • Karakter verwys na die geestelike, morele en etiese eienskappe en oortuigings van ‘n individu. Dit gaan oor die manier waarop iemand dink, voel en optree.
    • Waardes gaan oor wat jy as belangrik, bruikbaar en van waarde ag.
    • Norme verwys na dit wat ‘n individu of groep beskou as die standaard of aanvaarbare manier waarvolgens iets gedoen word.

In die konteks van die wêreld en die samelewing waarin ons leef, moet ons onsself vra of daar ‘n verskil moet wees tussen die karakter, waardes en norme van ‘n Heilige Gees vervulde persoon en ‘n persoon wat nie met die Heilige Gees vervul is nie. Met ander woorde: Moet ‘n Heilige Gees vervulde mens anders dink oor die lewe, oor wat belangrik en aanvaarbaar is? Moet ‘n Heilige Gees vervulde persoon anders optree? Moet hy/sy emosies anders hanteer en anders praat? Of is daar geen verskil nie?

As daar ‘n verskil is, wat behoort dit wees?

As ons na die geskiedenis kyk, sien ons dat toe daar ‘n behoefte was om diakens aan te stel om in die eerste kerk in Jerusalem te dien, die vereistes wat die twaalf dissipels gestel het, soos volg in Handelinge 6:3 opgeteken is: “…Kies sewe mans onder julle wat daarvoor bekend is dat hulle vol van die Heilige Gees is en wysheid het” (NLV). Die New King James weergawe vertaal dit as: “…men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” Die Amplified Bible verwys na mense met “Godly character and moral integrity…”. Dit blyk dat daar iets kenmerkend en opvallend was aan mense wat vol van die Heilige Gees was. Wanneer jy met hulle omgegaan het, het jy iets anders waargeneem en gehoor.

“Die gedagtes en gedrag van Heilige Gees vervulde mense is onder leiding van die Heilige Gees.”

In Efesiërs 3:16 skryf Paulus oor ons geestelike natuur, ons emosies, ons innerlike wese, die kern van wie ons as mense is, wat deur die Heilige Gees opgebou en versterk word. Die gedagtes en gedrag van Heilige Gees vervulde mense is onder leiding van die Heilige Gees. In Romeine 8:9 sê Paulus dat as die Heilige Gees in ons woon, ons nie deur ‘n sondige natuur beheer word nie, maar deur die Heilige Gees. Daar is ‘n ander operasionele stelsel aan die werk in Heilige Gees vervulde mense.

In 2 Tessalonisense 2:13 praat Paulus oor die heiligmakende werk van die Heilige Gees. Dit produseer gedragseienskappe wat verteenwoordigend is van Jesus, in Heilige Gees vervulde mense. Daar word soms na hierdie eienskappe verwys as “Die vrug van die Gees.” Galasiërs 5:22-23 definieer dit as: Liefde, Vreugde, Vrede, Geduld, Vriendelikheid, Goedheid, Getrouheid, Sagmoedigheid en Selfbeheersing.

Ons leef in ‘n wêreld van baie nabootsings. Dit blyk dat daar ‘n vervalste produk beskikbaar is vir alles wat werklik waardevol is. Kan dit ook so wees met die Heilige Gees? Kan mense daarop aanspraak maak dat hulle geestelik is, maar nie die ware krag en wese daarvan reflekteer nie? Kan dit wees dat hulle gedrag, die manier waarop hulle dink, leef en optree – die beeld wat hulle het om Heilige Gees vervulde mense te wees, tot niet maak?

Dit mag nooit van ons waar wees nie. Mag ons pastore, gemeenteleiers en al ons lidmate bekend wees as manne en vroue wat vol van die Heilige Gees is.

God se “roeping” is ’n ope uitnodiging tot redding aan al die verlorenes om na Hom toe te kom om gered te word (Matt 9:13; Matt 9:9-13; Markus 2:17). Terwyl Jesus daarvandaan verder gaan, het Hy ‘n man met die naam Matteus by die tolhuis sien sit en vir hom gesê: “Volg My!” Hy het toe opgestaan en Hom gevolg. Jesus het by hom in sy huis gaan eet, en baie tollenaars en sondaars het saam met Jesus en sy dissipels kom eet. Toe die Fariseërs dit sien, vra hulle vir sy dissipels: “Waarom eet julle leermeester saam met tollenaars en sondaars?” Maar Jesus het dit gehoor en gesê: “Dié wat gesond is, het nie ‘n dokter nodig nie, maar dié wat siek is. Gaan leer wat dit beteken: ‘Ek verwag barmhartigheid en nie offers nie.’ Ek het nie gekom om mense te roep wat op die regte pad is nie, maar sondaars.”

“As ek die evangelie verkondig, is dit nie vir my ‘n rede om te roem nie. Ek verkondig die evangelie omdat ek móét! En wee my as ek dit nie doen nie!” (1 Korintiërs 9:16; AFR83). Paulus se taalgebruik eggo die taal wat soms deur profete gebruik was in reaksie op die lyding wat hulle of ander ervaar het as gevolg van hulle profetiese bediening, en weerspieël die profetiese roeping op sy lewe. Sy ervaring van die verkondiging van die evangelie, is soos die ervaring van daardie Ou-Testamentiese profete wat verplig gevoel het om die Goddelike boodskap wat aan hulle toevertrou is oor te dra, ongeag hul eie begeerte, of gebrek aan begeerte om dit te doen.

Sodra ons die roeping aanvaar het, word die krag van God in ons vrygestel.
1 Korintiërs 1:24 (AFR83) sê: “…maar vir dié wat deur God geroep is, Jode sowel as Grieke, is Christus die krag van God en die wysheid van God.” “God is getrou, Hy wat julle geroep het om verenig te lewe met sy Seun, Christus Jesus, ons Here.” (1 Korintiërs 1:9; AFR83). Die krag van God werk in ons om ons toe te rus vir die taak wat voorlê om meer as oorwinnaars te wees in alle aspekte van die lewe, aangesien ons alles kan doen deur Christus wat ons versterk.

Wandel waardig van jou roeping.
Vir ons om getrou te bly aan ons roeping, moet ons besef dat dit nie meer nodig is om “ons plek te verdien” nie. Ons is vrygemaak van enige vorm van ‘n minderwaardige lewe en is nou in staat om ons lewens volgens die standaard van Jesus Christus te leef. Paulus gee die eerste drie hoofstukke in Efesiërs om die waarheid vas te stel dat ons “in Christus” gevind word en daag ons dan uit om volgens daardie roeping te lewe: “Ek druk julle dit op die hart, ek wat ‘n gevangene is omdat ek die Here dien: Laat julle lewenswandel in ooreenstemming wees met die roeping wat julle van God ontvang het. Wees altyd beskeie, vriendelik en geduldig, en verdra mekaar in liefde.  Lê julle daarop toe om die eenheid wat die Gees tussen julle gesmee het, te handhaaf deur in vrede met mekaar te lewe.” (Efesiërs 4:1-3; AFR83).

Maak ‘n impak en verskil in ander se lewens.
Want ons is vir God die geur van Christus onder die wat gered word en onder die wat verlore gaan. Vir die een is ons die geur van die dood wat tot die dood lei, en vir die ander die geur van die lewe wat tot die lewe lei (2 Korintiërs 2:15-16). Die lewegewende volgeling wat luister na die roepstem van God, is die een wie se hart altyd dors is na God, wie se siel altyd smag om God te soek en te volg, wie se oog alleen op God gerig is en in wie deur die krag van God se Gees, die vlees en die wêreld gekruisig het. Ons lewens moet wees soos die vrygewige vloed van ‘n lewegewende rivier. Ek sluit af met ‘n gebed wat ons gewoonlik sing:

“Touch my life Lord Jesus, with thy nail scared hand, as for Thee I live and daily take my stand, let my life overflow so that others may know, Thou has touched my life with thy nail scared hand.”

As Nasionale Ampsdraers het ons hierdie jaar verklaar as ‘n seisoen om die vuur van die Heilige Gees aan die brand te hou deur te fokus op gebed, vas en die kennis van God se Woord. Ons geestelike lewe is gekoppel aan toewyding in gebed en die bediening van die Woord van God, soos aangedui in Handelinge 6:4 (AFR83): “Ons sal dan al ons aandag aan gebed en die bediening van die woord bly gee.” Die Apostels het hulleself gewy “…aan gebed en die bediening van die woord…”. Die volgorde is betekenisvol – eerste gebed, dan die bediening van die Woord. Sonder die Here is daar geen bediening nie.

“Sonder die Here is daar geen bediening nie.”

Gebed (en Vas)

Geestelike werk hang af van geestelike “gereedskap”. Geen geestelike hulpmiddel is so betekenisvol of invloedryk soos gebed nie. Soos Andrew Murray ons herinner: “In spiritual work, everything depends upon prayer.” Ons moet geestelike impak maksimeer deur gebed te prioritiseer. Effektiewe geestelike leiers waardeer gebed as geestelike hulpmiddel.

“Hoe meer ons bid, hoe meer werk God.”

Hoe meer ons bid, hoe meer werk God. Wanneer ons bid begin dinge verander. “…en (toe) Hy (Jesus) besig was om te bid, het die hemel oopgegaan” (Lukas 3:21; AFR83). Elia was baie toegewyd aan gebed en “…was ‘n mens net soos ons, en hy het ernstig gebid dat dit nie moes reën nie, en dit het op die aarde drie jaar en ses maande lank nie gereën nie…” (Jakobus 5:17; AFR83). Ons moet altyd bid en nie ophou nie, “…dat ‘n mens gedurig moet bid en nie moedeloos word nie…” (Lukas 18:1; AFR83).

“Prayer is the determining factor…if we don’t, He won’t.” – Jack Hayford.

Vas en gebed is van kritieke belang vir ons geestelike lewens en hou die volgende voordele in:

    • Vas het die krag om God te behaag deur geregtigheid sigbaar te maak, genesing te laat kom en jouself te omring met God se heerlikheid. Dit lei tot verhoorde gebed (Jesaja 58:6–14).
    • Vas verhoog geestelike krag en berei jou voor vir groter impak. Jesus het veertig dae van gebed en vas beleef. Onmiddellik daarna sien ons hom preek met die krag van die Heilige Gees. (Lukas 4:1–14).
    • Vas is ‘n kragtige hulpmiddel in geestelike oorlogvoering. Nadat sy dissipels nie daarin geslaag het om ‘n demoon uit te dryf nie, het Jesus dit maklik gedoen. Toe het hy verduidelik: “Maar hierdie geslag gaan nie uit behalwe deur gebed en vas nie.” (Matteus 17:21).
    • Daniël se een-en-twintig dae van vas en gebed was nodig om die engel in sy opdrag te help om die antwoord op Daniël se gebede te lewer (Daniël 9:3–10:3). 

      Bediening van die Woord (Lees en herlees die teks)

      Die voormalige Pastoor van Westminster Chapel in Londen, G. Campbell Morgan, sou ‘n boek van die Bybel 50 keer lees voordat hy sy pen opgelig het ter voorbereiding van sy preek. Op daardie stadium het hy dinge in die teks begin sien wat hy die eerste paar keer toe hy deurgelees het, misgekyk het. As dienaars van God is ons verplig om die Woord van God te bestudeer, te onderrig en te verkondig. Die betrokke drievoudige bediening van die Woord sluit in:

      • Die bestudering van God se Woord (Esra 7:10; AFR83), “Esra het hom gewy aan die wet van die Here. Hy wou dit in die praktyk toepas en Israel elke voorskrif en bepaling leer.”
      • Om ander te leer van God se Woord (om te onderrig) vir die maak van dissipels, “…leer hulle om alles te onderhou wat Ek julle beveel het.” (Matteus 28:20; AFR83).
      • Die prediking van God se Woord (2 Timoteus 4:2; AFR83), “…verkondig die woord; hou daarmee vol, tydig en ontydig; weerlê, bestraf, bemoedig deur met alle geduld onderrig te gee.”

       

      Ten slotte sê ons: “Here, leer ons bid…” (Lukas 11:1; AFR83), en as God se diensknegte moet ons altyd deur God se Woord gevoed en onderhou word, want “…’n Mens leef nie net van brood nie maar van elke woord wat uit die mond van God kom.” (Matteus 4:4; AFR83).

Baie van ons voel die druk van die finansiële situasie in ons land. Ons land is nie tans op ‘n goeie plek nie en baie besluite wat in die verlede geneem is, het ‘n nadelige uitwerking op ons almal. Maar dit beteken nie dat ons die slagoffers moet wees van wat rondom ons gebeur nie. Ons is kinders van die Magtige GOD wat hemel en aarde geskep het en ons leef in SY teenwoordigheid en onder SY beloftes. Hy is ten volle bewus van wat in ons wêreld gebeur. In hierdie situasie werk Hy nog steeds om ons te bevoordeel. Maar ons moet Sy aangesig en Sy leiding soek in ons finansies.

Die sagte stem van die Heilige Gees en die beginsels van die Bybel kan en sal jou en my deur moeilike tye lei. Ons land het situasies gehad wat in die verlede onoorkombaar gelyk het, maar die manne en vroue van GOD het op Hom vertrou om ons daardeur te lei.

Beginsel 1: Gee Jou Tiende

Een van die belangsrikste beginsels is om getrou te wees in die gee van jou tiende. Tiendes is nie ‘n geldkwessie nie, maar ‘n vertroue- en geloofskwessie. Deur jou tiende te gee, verklaar jy dat jy God vertrou om vir jou te voorsien en jou te help om met die oorblywende 90% baie verder te gaan as wat jy met jou volle salaris sou kon. Matteus 6:21 sê “…daar waar jou skat is, daar sal jou hart ook wees”. Tiendes toets waar my hart is. Ek is seker dat baie van julle wonderlike getuienisse het van wonderwerke wat God in jou eie lewe en die lewens van mense rondom jou gedoen het. In moeilike tye sal die gedagte by jou opkom om tiendes te stop. Moet asseblief nie in hierdie strik trap nie, want jou tiende is ook die saad wat sal opkom en jou voorsiening van seën in die toekoms sal wees. As jy jou saad eet, maak jy jou toekomstige seën dood.

“Tiendes toets waar my hart is.”

Beginsel 2: Spandeer Verstandig

In tye soos hierdie moet ons ook by die gewoonte hou om verstandig te bestee. Wees versigtig hoe jy jou geld spandeer en moenie agter elke nuwe gier of geur aanhardloop net om populêr te bly nie. Wees liewer meer konserwatief en koop goed wat jy nodig het en lank sal hou. Wees baie versigtig vir misleidende verkoopstaktieke wat jou wil oortuig dat jou lewe nie dieselfde sal wees sonder hierdie produk of diens nie. Ons het die God van hemel en aarde in ons lewens, en dit sy teenwoordigheid help ons om tevrede te leef. Hebreërs 13:5 sê: “Hou julle lewe vry van geldgierigheid; wees tevrede met wat julle het. God self het gesê: “Ek sal jou nooit verlaat nie, jou nooit in die steek laat nie.” Soms moet ons daaraan herinner word dat hierdie aardse wêreld eendag sal verbygaan en ons sal niks kan saamneem graf toe nie – maar ons kroon wag vir ons.

Beginsel 3: Spaar Ywerig

Om ywerig te spaar is nog ‘n goeie gewoonte wat ons in plek moet hou. As ons ywerig spaar, sal ons altyd genoeg hê wanneer moeilike tye kom. Vir die meeste van ons kom spaar nie natuurlik nie. Ons moet dit egter beplan en uitvoer, maar as die gewoonte inskop kry jy die wonderlike gevoel dat jy reg is vir ‘n reënerige dag.

Beginsel 4: Leef Vrygewig

Laastens, leef vrygewig. Dit sal selfsug in jou lewe doodmaak en jou help om ‘n seën vir ander te wees. As jy iemand kan help, help hulle! Moenie doekies omdraai nie, want wat jy aan die minste doen, sal God jou voor beloon. My gebed is dat 2023 ‘n jaar van oorvloed in jou lewe sal wees.

Op die 25ste Mei 2023 vier ons ons kerk se 115de verjaarsdag herdenking. Soos die vorige jaar beplan ons weer ‘n AGS Embleem dag waar ons graag al ons gemeentes en lidmate wil aanmoedig om die AGS embleem oral te deel en ten toon te stel! Dit was so ‘n seën verlede jaar om die hoë vlakke van deelname en reaksie van ons kerk te aanskou.

Hierdie jaar voeg ons ‘n verdere element by saam met die AGS Embleem dag – op hierdie dag versoek ons ​​ook dat elke lidmaat van die AGS Familie sal uitreik na net een ander persoon en die liefde van Christus met hulle sal deel. Dit kan ‘n persoonlike ontmoeting of ‘n oproep oor Whatsapp wees. Dit kan iemand wees wat jy ken of ‘n totale vreemdeling. Mens kan jou net indink wat die impak kan wees wanneer elke AGS-lidmaat sy/haar roeping as ‘n boodskapper van Christus opneem – om Sy liefde met net een ander persoon te deel.

Die Nasionale Ampsdraers gaan vyf videogrepe vry stel wat praktiese riglyne sal verskaf oor hoe om Christus met ‘n ander persoon te deel. Ons sien uit daarna om die AGS van SA se 115de verjaarsdag herdenking te vier en beplan om die vuur aan die brand te hou (“Keep the Fire Burning”)!

Vriendelike Groete
Henri Weideman

Newsflash: Friday, 24 February 2023

Download the PDF version here (e-mail & printer-friendly):

AFM Newsflash: Friday, 24 February 2023

FEBRUARY

RESOURCES

AFM of SA National Calendar 2023 – Including the Latest Updates (8 Feb)!
https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/

NOB Empowerment Visits 2023: Dates & Venues – You are Invited!
https://afm-ags.org/nob-empowerment-visits-2023-dates-venues/

Dear Colleague,

1. REVIVAL AT ASBURY UNIVERSITY

What was to be a regular scheduled chapel service at Asbury University turned into an ongoing experience of worship, confession, prayer, testimony and consecration to God. The service has been going on non-stop for nearly two weeks now, and people from all over the United States are flocking to the small town of Wilmore in Kentucky. At some point, 3,000 attendees were spread through the auditorium and other facilities on the campus, whilst the town’s police had their hands full with managing the traffic.

A revival, or as some prefer to call it, an “awakening” – serves to revitalize the spiritual life of believers and to give non-believers an opportunity to become followers of Jesus. Some church historians, commentators and other critics are trying to evaluate whether this is really a revival and use the characteristics of other classical revivals as measuring tools.

I am not going to presume that this is or should be a typical revival or awakening. I am convinced that God by His Holy Spirit, work as He chooses to and not always according to “historic” ways. Instead, God is always doing something new. The most important measuring instrument according to the Bible, is the fruit coming from an experience like this. The words of a well-known New Testament Professor at the Asbury Theological Seminary from whom we receive regular feedback are relevant: “Whatever you want to call it, this is the first time in years anything like this has happened here!”

It is evident that the lives of many students, mostly young people, have been impacted by a renewed dedication and passion for God. I see that as very positive and powerful. I close with the words of Gamaliel during the time the Sanhedrin tried to evaluate the ministry of the early church.  He basically said that if the purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fade away. But if it is from God, no one can stop it. (Acts 5:38)

Let us continue to work and pray for revival in our own county, amongst all our people as well.

2. NOB EMPOWERMENT VISITS

Keep The Fire Burning

We are looking forward to visiting and spending time in ministry and impartation with Regional Pastors, Assembly Leaders, Governing Body Members, Departments and Members during the Regional Empowerment Visits. The Theme for 2023 is: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING.

The National Office Bearers (NOB) felt led to focus on the Spiritual Foundation of Missionality and to spend time on who we are and how we live as Holy Spirit-filled people and church. We will focus on (i) Our Calling as Believers and Pastors; (ii) Daily time with the Word and in Prayer; (iii) The Character, Values and Norms of Holy Spirit filled People; and (iv) Keeping the Fire Burning in your Finances.

Below we share the remaining dates and venues for the NOB Empowerment Visits of 2023:

The Programme for Friday and Saturday is available from our website:
https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

3. CONFERENCES: SAVE THE DATES!

National Youth Conference
Register by using the link below: https://forms.gle/z3JYWdCPtYcXK21k7
Download the Circular for more info: https://afm-ags.org/national-youth-conference-2023/

National Men’s Fellowship Conference
Download the Circular for more info:
https://afm-ags.org/national-mens-fellowship-conference-2023/

Warm Regards!
Henri Weideman

Nuusflits: Vrydag, 24 Februarie 2023

Laai die PDF-weergawe hier af (om maklik te e-pos of uit te druk):

AGS Nuusflits: Vrydag, 24 February 2023

FEBRUARIE

HULPBRONNE

AGS van SA Nasionale Kalender 2023 – Opgedateer met die Nuutste Veranderinge (8 FEB)!
https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/

NOB-Bemagtigingsbesoeke 2023: Datums & Plekke – Jy word hartlik uitgenooi!
https://afm-ags.org/nob-empowerment-visits-2023-dates-venues/

AGS Kollega,

1. HERLEWING AAN DIE UNIVERSITEIT VAN ASBURY

Wat ‘n gewone geskeduleerde kapeldiens aan die Universiteit van Asbury sou wees, het verander in ‘n voortgaande ervaring van aanbidding, belydenis, gebed, getuienis en toewyding aan God. Die diens gaan nou al byna twee weke onophoudelik aan, en mense van regoor die Verenigde State stroom na die klein dorpie Wilmore in Kentucky. Op ‘n stadium was daar 3,000 mense teenwoordig in die ouditorium en verspreid oor ander fasiliteite op die kampus – terwyl die dorp se polisie hul hande vol gehad het om die verkeer te hanteer.

‘n Herlewing, of soos sommige verkies om dit te noem, ‘n “ontwaking” – dien om die geestelike lewe van gelowiges te laat herleef en om nie-gelowiges die geleentheid te gee om volgelinge van Jesus te word. Sommige kerkhistorici, kommentators en ander kritici probeer evalueer of dit wat in Asbury gebeur werklik ‘n herlewing is en gebruik die kenmerke van ander klassieke herlewings as meetinstrumente.

Ek gaan nie aannames maak oor of dit ‘n tipiese herlewing of ‘n ontwaking is of behoort te wees nie. Ek is daarvan oortuig dat God deur Sy Heilige Gees werk soos Hy wil en nie altyd volgens “historiese” maniere nie. In teendeel, die Here doen altyd iets nuuts. Die belangrikste meetinstrument volgens die Bybel is die vrugte wat uit ‘n gebeurtenis soos hierdie kom. Die woorde van ‘n bekende Nuwe-Testamentiese professor aan die Asbury Teologiese Seminarium van wie ons gereelde terugvoer ontvang, is relevant: “Whatever you want to call it, this is the first time in years anything like this has happened here!

Dit is duidelik dat die lewens van baie studente, meestal jongmense, beïnvloed is met ‘n hernieude toewyding en passie vir God. Ek sien dit as baie positief en kragtig. Ek sluit af met die woorde van Gamaliël in die tyd toe die Sanhedrin die bediening van die vroeë kerk probeer evalueer het. Hy het basies gesê dat as die doel of aktiwiteit van menslike oorsprong is, dit sal verdwyn. Maar as dit van God af kom, niemand dit kan keer nie. (Handelinge 5:38)

Laat ons aanhou werk en bid om ook herlewing in ons eie land te beleef.

3. NOB-BEMAGTIGINGSBESOEKE

Hou Die Vuur Aan Die Brand

Ons sien daarna uit om tydens die 2023 Streeksbemagtigingsbesoeke tyd in bediening deur te bring saam met ons Pastore, Gemeenteleiers, Kerkrade, Departemente en lidmate. Die tema vir 2023 is: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING (HOU DIE VUUR AAN DIE BRAND).

Die Nasionale Ampsdraers het gelei gevoel om te fokus op die Geestelike Basis van Missionaliteit en om tyd te spandeer op wie ons is, en hoe ons leef as Heilige Gees vervulde mense en kerk. Ons sal fokus op (i) Ons Roeping as Gelowiges en Pastore; (ii) Daaglikse Tyd met die Woord en in Gebed; (iii) Die karakter, Waardes en Norme van Heilige Gees Vervulde Mense; en (iv) Hoe om die Vuur aan die Brand te Hou in jou Finansies.

Ons deel graag die oorblywende datums en plekke van ontmoeting vir 2023:


Die programme vir Vrydag en Saterdag is beskikbaar vanaf ons webwerf:
https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

Ons sien uit daarna om jou daar te sien!

3. KONFERENSIES: TEKEN DIE DATUMS AAN!

National Youth Conference
Registreer deur die skakel te gebruik: https://forms.gle/z3JYWdCPtYcXK21k7 Laai die omsendbrief af vir meer inligting: https://afm-ags.org/national-youth-conference-2023/

National Men’s Fellowship Conference
Laai die omsendbrief af vir meer inligting:
https://afm-ags.org/national-mens-fellowship-conference-2023/

Vriendelike Groete!
Henri Weideman

Newsflash: Friday, 10 February 2023

Download the PDF version here (e-mail & printer-friendly):

AFM Newsflash Friday_10 FEB_2023


FEBRUARY

RESOURCES

Pastoral Letter: 4th Quarter 2022
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-4th-quarter-2022/

AFM of SA National Calendar 2023 – Including the Latest Updates (8 Feb)!
https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/

NOB Empowerment Visits 2023: Dates & Venues – You are Invited!
https://afm-ags.org/nob-empowerment-visits-2023-dates-venues/

Dear Colleague,

1. ARE WE HEARING OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS?

Recently I became aware of a hip-hop song reflecting a search for significant relationships and examples worth emulating. Many of the songs in this category currently reflect a general feeling and outcry of despair, loss, bitterness and a lack of positive future expectations.

Part of the paradigm created by an absence of male role models for boys and young men, which is probably being fed by the images created by social media and pornography – is that of a world in which girls and women are viewed (in differing degrees) as functional objects. Either as trophies to boast about and to build your image, or as outlets to satisfy your emotional and physical needs. The frustration of which might lead to abuse and violence. Exactly what we see happening in society at large and also in our schools.

Is this how our sons view the world? As a place of despair, loss, bitterness and a bleak future. Our matric results have just been published and again we have been reminded that they are better than the previous year. A less-known fact is that boys are more likely to leave school before Grade 12 and that only 46% of the matrics who passed the 2022 exams, were boys.

Teenage pregnancies and the number of girls who struggle to complete secondary schooling because of that is a huge problem. However, is there a potential connection between the unacceptably high teenage pregnancy levels and the fact that many boys leave school before completing Grade 12?

Our sons and daughters are not the problems as some would want us to believe. Maybe they are trying to tell us something that we are not hearing. Is that not perhaps part of why our boys are attracted to lyrics that portray a dystopian world where women exist to be used and humiliated (because they humiliated you) and where heroes are people with shiny cars, golden jewellery and doubtful business models?

We must pray for our sons and daughters. We must pray for our fathers and mothers. Most of all, we must ensure that we as Pastors and Members of the AFM do not just talk, but really do what we can to provide positive Holy Spirit-filled role models for our sons and our daughters.

(With Acknowledgement to Pieter Malan)

2. NOB EMPOWERMENT VISITS

Keep The Fire Burning

We are looking forward to visiting and spending time in ministry and impartation with Regional Pastors, Assembly Leaders, Governing Body Members, Departments and Members during the Regional Empowerment Visits. The Theme for 2023 is: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING.

The National Office Bearers (NOB) felt led to focus on the Spiritual Foundation of Missionality and to spend time on who we are and how we live as Holy Spirit-filled people and church. We will focus on (i) Our Calling as Believers and Pastors; (ii) Daily time with the Word and in Prayer; (iii) The Character, Values and Norms of Holy Spirit filled People; and (iv) Keeping the Fire Burning in your Finances.

Below we share the remaining dates and venues for the NOB Empowerment Visits of 2023:

The Programme for Friday and Saturday is available from our website:
https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

3. AFM WELFARE: NEWSLETTER

The True Purpose of Welfare: A Mandate to Help those in Need

Our church’s Welfare Department (known as AFM Welfare), released its first Newsletter for 2023. You are welcome to download the Newsletter from the link below and distribute it within your Assembly, Region, Network or Department:

AFM Welfare A Family That Cares JAN_2023

Warm Regards!
Henri Weideman

Nuusflits: Vrydag, 10 Februarie 2023

Laai die PDF weergawe hier af (om maklik te e-pos of uit te druk):

AGS AFR 10 FEB Nuusflits AGS Nuusflits Vrydag_10_FEB_2023

FEBRUARIE

HULPBRONNE

Pastorale Brief: 4de Kwartaal 2022
https://afm-ags.org/pastorale-brief-4de-kwartaal-2022/

AGS van SA Nasionale Kalender 2023 – Opgedateer met die Nuutste Veranderinge! (8 Feb 2023)
https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/

NOB-Bemagtigingsbesoeke 2023: Datums & Plekke – Jy word hartlik uitgenooi!
https://afm-ags.org/nob-empowerment-visits-2023-dates-venues/

AGS Kollega,

1. HOOR ONS ONS SEUNS EN DOGTERS?

Ek het onlangs bewus geword van ‘n hip-hop-liedjie met ‘n sterk tema rondom die soeke na betekenisvolle verhoudings en voorbeelde wat die moeite werd is om na te volg. Baie van die liedjies in hierdie kategorie weerspieël tans ‘n algemene gevoel en uitroep van wanhoop, verlies, bitterheid en ‘n gebrek aan positiewe toekomsverwagtinge.

Deel van die paradigma wat geskep word deur ‘n afwesigheid van manlike rolmodelle vir seuns en jong mans, wat waarskynlik gevoed word deur die beelde wat deur sosiale media en pornografie geskep word – is dié van ‘n wêreld waarin meisies en vroue (in verskillende grade) as funksionele voorwerpe beskou word. Hetsy as ‘n trofeë om oor te spog en om jou beeld te bou, of as ‘n manier om jou emosionele en fisiese behoeftes te bevredig. Die frustrasie daarvan kan tot mishandeling en geweld lei. Presies wat ons sien gebeur in die breë samelewing – en ook in ons skole.

Is dit hoe ons seuns tans die wêreld beskou? As ‘n plek van wanhoop, verlies, bitterheid en ‘n donker toekoms. Ons matriekuitslae is pas gepubliseer en ons is weer daaraan herinner dat dit beter is as die vorige jaar. ‘n Minder bekende feit is dat seuns meer geneig is om die skool te verlaat voor Graad 12 en dat slegs 46% van die matrieks wat die 2022-eksamen geslaag het, seuns was.

Tienerswangerskappe en die aantal meisies wat as gevolg daarvan sukkel om sekondêre skoolopleiding te voltooi, is ‘n groot probleem. Is daar dalk ‘n verband tussen die onaanvaarbaar hoë tienerswangerskapvlakke en die feit dat baie seuns die skool verlaat voordat hulle Graad 12 voltooi?

Ons seuns en dogters is nie die probleem soos sommige wil hê ons moet glo nie. Miskien probeer hulle ons iets vertel wat ons nie hoor nie. Is dit nie dalk deel van hoekom ons seuns aangetrokke is tot lirieke wat ‘n distopiese wêreld uitbeeld waar vroue bestaan om gebruik en verneder te word (omdat hulle jou verneder het) en waar helde mense is met blink motors, goue juwele en twyfelagtige sakemodelle nie?

Ons moet vir ons seuns en dogters bid. Ons moet vir ons vaders en moeders bid. Bowenal moet ons seker maak dat ons as Pastore en lidmate van die AGS nie net praat nie, maar regtig doen wat ons kan om positiewe Heilige Gees vervulde rolmodelle vir ons seuns en ons dogters te voorsien.


(Met erkenning aan Pieter Malan)

3. NOB-BEMAGTIGINGSBESOEKE

Hou Die Vuur Aan Die Brand

Ons sien daarna uit om tydens die 2023 Streeksbemagtigingsbesoeke tyd in bediening deur te bring saam met ons Pastore, Gemeenteleiers, Kerkrade, Departemente en lidmate. Die tema vir 2023 is: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING (HOU DIE VUUR AAN DIE BRAND).

Die Nasionale Ampsdraers het gelei gevoel om te fokus op die Geestelike Basis van Missionaliteit en om tyd te spandeer op wie ons is, en hoe ons leef as Heilige Gees vervulde mense en kerk. Ons sal fokus op (i) Ons Roeping as Gelowiges en Pastore; (ii) Daaglikse Tyd met die Woord en in Gebed; (iii) Die karakter, Waardes en Norme van Heilige Gees Vervulde Mense; en (iv) Hoe om die Vuur aan die Brand te Hou in jou Finansies.

Ons deel graag die oorblywende datums en plekke van ontmoeting vir 2023:


Die programme vir Vrydag en Saterdag is beskikbaar vanaf ons webwerf:
https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

Ons sien uit daarna om jou daar te sien!

3. AGS WELSYN: NUUSBRIEF

Die Ware Doel van Welsyn: ‘n Mandaat om Diegene in Nood te Help

Ons kerk se Welsynsdepartement (bekend as AGS Welsyn), het hul eerste Nuusbrief vir 2023 vrygestel. Jy is welkom om die Nuusbrief van die skakel hieronder af te laai en dit te versprei in jou Gemeente, Streek, Netwerk of Departement:

AFM Welfare A Family That Cares JAN_2023

Vriendelike Groete!
Henri Weideman

AFM Newsflash: Friday, 27 January 2023

Download the PDF version here (e-mail and printer-friendly):

AFM Newsflash: Friday, 27 January 2023

JANUARY

RESOURCES

Pastoral Letter: 4th Quarter 2022
https://afm-ags.org/pastoral-letter-4th-quarter-2022/

AFM of SA National Calendar 2023 – Including the Latest Updates!
https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/

NOB Empowerment Visits 2023: Dates & Venues – You are Invited!
https://afm-ags.org/nob-empowerment-visits-2023-dates-venues/

Dear Colleague,

1. THE ELECTRICITY CRISIS

We are all in various stages of concern about the persisting electricity crisis in South Africa. I was invited and participated in a meeting between the State President, Eskom and religious leaders on Tuesday, 17 January 2023.

The general feeling amongst the faith leaders was one of disappointment and even disillusionment. I had the opportunity to speak and urged the State President to ensure that we see decisive and constructive action regarding the shortage of electricity. As faith leaders and citizens of this country, we are no longer appeased by promises. The crisis is at least 25 years in the making, as Government received a report on projected power shortages in 1998 already. Load shedding started in 2008 and today, 15 years later we are even worst off.

I urged Government to rise above party political interest and internal fighting, which causes any progress in this matter to be delayed and paralyzed, whilst the citizens of South Africa and especially the poor suffer. As a church we are willing to support our government, we understand that this is a complex problem, but we now need to see decisive action.

I encourage all our Pastors and members to keep on praying. We are people of prayer and people of Hope. The electricity crisis cannot be solved in a few weeks, or with the flick of a switch, but we as believers and citizens of our beloved country South Africa should keep our government accountable and expect constructive action.

2. BAPTISM DROWNINGS

We recently became aware of a spate of drownings during baptism ceremonies around the country. It seems that these tragic occurrences usually involve streams and rivers or even the sea. According to reports, most of the drownings happen in Gauteng, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and the Free State.

Whilst we understand that some church traditions prescribe that the baptism of believers should take place in streams or rivers, we plead that great caution must be applied. We also understand the fact that some churches are faced with challenges due to inequalities and a lack of resources.

As the leaders of the AFM of SA, we call on all churches who practise the baptism of believers after conversion, to act responsibly, exercise wisdom and give clear and practical guidance to their Pastors and congregations on how to take the necessary precautions during baptism. As a rule, baptisms should not be conducted in water where the person performing the baptism and or the person who is being baptized, cannot stand effortlessly and firmly. Baptisms should also not be conducted in places where there are strong water currents present. Where possible baptismal pools, swimming pools, or inflatable pools should be used.

As churches and church leaders, we must continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus unashamedly, whilst ensuring that the lives of all our members are always safeguarded.

3. NOB EMPOWERMENT VISITS

Keep The Fire Burning

We are looking forward to visiting and spending time in ministry and impartation with Regional Pastors, Assembly Leaders, Governing Body Members, Departments and Members during the Regional Empowerment Visits. The Theme for 2023 is: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING.

The National Office Bearers (NOB) felt led to focus on the Spiritual Foundation of Missionality and to spend time on who we are and how we live as Holy Spirit-filled people and church. We will focus on (i) Our Calling as Believers and Pastors; (ii) Daily time with the Word and in Prayer; (iii) The Character, Values and Norms of Holy Spirit filled People; and (iv) Keeping the Fire Burning in your Finances.

Below we share the dates and venues for the NOB Empowerment Visits of 2023:

The Programme for Friday and Saturday is available from our website:
https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

4. SAVE THE DATE: NMF CONFERENCE

  

Kindly download a Circular for more information regarding the upcoming National Men’s Fellowship Conference from 19-21 May 2023:
https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

4. MIL WORKSHOPS

The year commenced with two successful MIL workshops in Cape Town and Pretoria. The dates and locations for the remaining MIL workshops in January and February are as follows: Amanzimtoti (30 January – 1 February) and East London (6-8 February).

To view all scheduled MIL Workshops for 2023, kindly refer to the AFM of SA National Calendar: https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/

We are looking forward to welcoming the new group of MIL participants!

All AFM Pastors and Assembly Leaders are welcome to also attend the MIL Workshops. The cost is R250 (for attendees that are not registered MIL candidates) and includes lunch and snacks. Further, AFM Pastors attending the MIL workshop can earn 10 PCD credits.

For any enquiries, feel free to contact the National MIL Coordinator:
Dr Christo van den Berg
mil@afm-ags.org

Warm Regards!
Henri Weideman

Nuusflits: Vrydag, 27 Januarie 2023

Laai die PDF weergawe hier af (om maklik te e-pos of uit te druk):

AGS Nuusflits: Vrydag, 27 Januarie 2023

JANUARIE

HULPBRONNE

Pastorale Brief: 4de Kwartaal 2022
https://afm-ags.org/pastorale-brief-4de-kwartaal-2022/

AGS van SA Nasionale Kalender 2023 – Opgedateer met die Nuutste Veranderinge!
https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/

NOB-Bemagtigingsbesoeke 2023: Datums & Plekke – Jy word hartlik uitgenooi!
https://afm-ags.org/nob-empowerment-visits-2023-dates-venues/

AGS Kollega,

1. DIE ELEKTRISITEIT KRISIS

Ons almal ervaar kommer op verskillende vlakke oor die voortslepende elektrisiteitskrisis in Suid-Afrika. Ek het op 17 Januarie 2023 aan ‘n vergadering tussen die staatspresident, Eskom en verskeie godsdiensleiers deelgeneem.

Die algemene gevoel onder die geloofsleiers was een van teleurstelling en selfs ontnugtering. Ek het die geleentheid gehad om te praat en het daarop aangedring dat die staatspresident sal verseker dat ons beslissende en konstruktiewe optrede rakende die tekort aan elektrisiteit sien. As geloofsleiers en burgers van hierdie land word ons nie meer tevrede gestel deur blote beloftes nie. Die elektrisiteitskrisis is minstens 25 jaar in wording, aangesien die regering reeds in 1998 ‘n verslag oor geprojekteerde kragtekorte ontvang het. Beurtkrag het in 2008 begin en vandag, 15 jaar later, is ons selfs slegter daaraan toe.

Ek het die regering aangemoedig om bo partypolitieke belang en interne gevegte uit te styg wat veroorsaak dat enige vordering in hierdie saak vertraag en verlam word, terwyl die burgers van Suid-Afrika en veral die armes daaronder ly. As kerk is ons bereid om ons regering te ondersteun – ons verstaan dat dit ‘n komplekse probleem is, maar ons moet nou beslissende optrede sien.

Ek moedig al ons Pastore en lidmate aan om aan te hou bid. Ons is mense van gebed en mense van Hoop. Die elektrisiteitskrisisse kan nie binne ‘n paar weke of met die druk van ‘n skakelaar opgelos word nie. As gelowiges en burgers van ons geliefde land Suid-Afrika, moet ons die regering aanspreeklik hou en konstruktiewe optrede vereis.

2. DOOP VERDRINKINGS

Ons het onlangs bewus geword van ‘n vlaag verdrinkings tydens doopseremonies regoor die land. Dit blyk dat hierdie tragiese voorvalle gewoonlik in strome en riviere of selfs in die see plaasvind.  Luidens berigte gebeur die meeste verdrinkings in Gauteng, Limpopo, die Oos-Kaap, Mpumalanga en die Vrystaat.

Alhoewel ons verstaan dat sommige kerktradisies voorskryf dat die doop van gelowiges in strome of riviere moet plaasvind, pleit ons dat groot versigtigheid toegepas moet word. Ons verstaan ook die feit dat sommige kerke voor uitdagings te staan kom weens ongelykhede en ‘n gebrek aan hulpbronne.

As leiers van die AGS van SA doen ons ‘n beroep op alle kerke wat die doop van gelowiges na bekering beoefen, om verantwoordelik op te tree, wysheid uit te oefen en duidelike en praktiese leiding aan hulle pastore en gemeentes te gee oor hoe om die nodige voorsorgmaatreëls tydens die doop te tref.  As ‘n reël moet die doop nie in water geskied waar die persoon wat die doop uitvoer en of die persoon wat gedoop word, nie moeiteloos en vas kan staan nie. Die doop moet ook nie uitgevoer word op plekke waar daar sterk waterstrome teenwoordig is nie. Waar moontlik moet doopbaddens, swembaddens of opblaasbare swembaddens gebruik word.

As kerke en kerkleiers moet ons voortgaan om die Evangelie van Jesus onbeskaamd te verkondig, terwyl ons ook verseker dat die lewens van al ons lidmate te alle tye beskerm word.

3. NOB-BEMAGTIGINGSBESOEKE

Hou Die Vuur Aan Die Brand

Ons sien daarna uit om tydens die 2023 Streeksbemagtigingsbesoeke tyd in bediening deur te bring saam met ons Pastore, Gemeenteleiers, Kerkrade, Departemente en lidmate. Die tema vir 2023 is: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING (HOU DIE VUUR AAN DIE BRAND).

Die Nasionale Ampsdraers het gelei gevoel om te fokus op die Geestelike Basis van Missionaliteit en om tyd te spandeer op wie ons is, en hoe ons leef as Heilige Gees vervulde mense en kerk. Ons sal fokus op (i) Ons Roeping as Gelowiges en Pastore; (ii) Daaglikse Tyd met die Woord en in Gebed; (iii) Die karakter, Waardes en Norme van Heilige Gees Vervulde Mense; en (iv) Hoe om die Vuur aan die Brand te Hou in jou Finansies.

Ons deel graag solank die datums en plekke van ontmoeting vir 2023:


Die programme vir Vrydag en Saterdag is beskikbaar vanaf ons webwerf:
https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

Ons sien uit daarna om jou daar te sien!

3. RESERVEER DIE DAUTM: NMF KONFERENSIE

   

Laai asseblief ‘n omsendbrief af vir meer inligting oor die komende Nasionale Men’s Fellowship-konferensie van 19-21 Mei 2023:
https://afm-ags.org/category/events/

4. MIL WERKSWINKELS

Die jaar het afgeskop met twee suksesvolle MIL-werkswinkels in Kaapstad en Pretoria. Die datums en plekke vir die oorblywende MIL-werkswinkels in Januarie en Februarie is soos volg: Amanzimtoti (30 Januarie – 1 Februarie) en Oos-Londen (6-8 Februarie).

Om alle geskeduleerde MIL-werkswinkels vir 2023 te sien, verwys asseblief na die AGS van SA Nasionale kalender:  https://afm-ags.org/afm-of-sa-national-calendar-2023/.

Ons sien uit daarna om die nuwe groep MIL-kandidate te verwelkom!

Alle AGS Pastore en Gemeenteleiers is welkom om ook die MIL-werkswinkels by te woon. Die koste is R250 (vir afgevaardigdes wat nie geregistreerde MIL-kandidate is nie) en sluit middagete en versnaperinge in. Verder kan AGS Pastore wat die MIL-werkswinkel bywoon 10 PCD-krediete verdien.

Vir enige navrae, kontak gerus die Nasionale MIL-koördineerder:
Dr Christo van den Berg
mil@afm-ags.org 

Vriendelike Groete!
Henri Weideman